Nigel Heath and "Clean Language" and "Symbolic Modeling" using Lego.
(Based on the work of Penny Tompkins & James Lawley with thanks for their support & generosity of spirit.)

THE SET UP.
The audience was asked to consider "Something they would like to do better". This varied from "Time management" to "Speaking another language" and in my case as an example - "To cope with time pressure more
resourcefully".

Before the action began I ran through some important "rules of engagement".
1) In personal modeling we need to work with integrity and confidentiality.
2) Any statement will contain presuppositions, e.g. "To cope with timepressure more resourcefully" presupposes I can do this.
3) This is 'their model' so please respect it.
4) Remember RAPPORT.
5) Turn up your sensory acuity.
6) Clean questions use the clients words.
7) Trust your unconscious mind, trust the process, and go with the flow.

There followed a demonstration with participation from the audience.

THE METHOD.
Working in pairs there was a question sheet containing David Grove's "Clean Language" questions designed to move the "client" from their "something" that they wanted to do better into metaphor and symbol.

Once their objective was "symbolic" it was time to "model" it using Lego (lots supplied) or paper and pens (lots supplied) or in the case of two participants who clearly needed a bigger picture or something they could really get their hands on, chairs and furniture (fortunately there's lots of these in the room too).

After the modeling / drawing / building, there were more "clean questions" designed to develop the symbols and their metaphorical context into positive resources.

Then Group discussion and feedback

The final part. Back in pairs with "the model". More "clean questions"
moved many towards a clearer understanding, a new enthusiasm, an ability to "do something better".

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